Salawin National Park: Explore River Beauty & Remote Wilderness
Cruise the calm waters of the Salawin River and uncover the secrets of Mae Hong Son’s most remote national park.
Amid the untouched forests of Mae Hong Son, a river winds quietly through deep green valleys and steep jungle ridges. This is Salawin National Park, a sanctuary of timeless beauty that embraces both natural wonder and cultural depth. Stretching along the Thai-Myanmar border, the park is famed for its remote charm and its bond with the Salawin River, which carves a peaceful, meandering path through one of the most secluded regions in Thailand.
🌽 Rugged Terrain and Forest Life
A defining trait of the park is its topography. Jagged mountain ridges rise and fall like ocean waves frozen in time, covered in a dense canopy of teak, bamboo, and deciduous forest. These ridgelines descend toward sandbanks and tropical forest that hug the Salawin River, creating a rich ecological corridor where birds, butterflies, and rare mammals thrive. This is also where you’ll find rare glimpses of traditional Karen hill tribe life along the riverside.
🌟 Highlights for Visitors
- Salawin River Cruise: Take a serene long-tail boat ride from Ban Mae Sam Leap to Tha Ta Fang, offering views of riverbanks, lush jungle, and authentic Karen villages.
- Budercha Viewpoint: A hidden ridge offering sweeping panoramas of the Salawin River and mountain valleys below.
- Teak Forest Trails: Hike through dense trails with towering teak trees, vibrant birdlife, and the occasional gibbon call.
- Cherry Blossom Season: Visit in late winter to witness wild Himalayan cherry trees in bloom across the forest.
- Camping by the River: Enjoy tranquil nights with riverside camping near the park headquarters.
🌸 Wildlife, Blooms & Activities
The Salawin park is a haven for rare flora and fauna. Gibbons, hornbills, butterflies, and colorful birds are frequently spotted. Forest paths lead to hidden viewpoints and seasonal flowers like wild orchids and cherry blossoms. Photography, birdwatching, jungle trekking, and cultural exchanges with local Karen villagers are all activities waiting to be explored.
🏨 Staying Overnight in the Park
For visitors planning a night under the stars, the park offers a few simple lodges and a riverside campsite. Lodging includes options like “Salawin 101” or the Tha Ta Fang bungalows. There are no restaurants or shops inside the park, so travelers should prepare meals and supplies in advance. Attractions in Mae Sariang are not far, making the park a perfect side trip for those exploring deeper corners of northern Thailand.
✈️ Getting There: The Remote Journey
Reaching the park is part of the journey. From Mae Sariang town, take Route 1194 followed by a short dirt road to the headquarters. To access the riverside village of Ban Mae Sam Leap, a 50 km road leads further into the mountains, where you can continue by boat to Tha Ta Fang. It’s remote, but incredibly rewarding.
💸 Entry Fees and Conservation Support
Entrance fees are modest. Thai adults pay 20 baht and children 10 baht. For foreign visitors, the rate is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Vehicle fees are 30 baht for cars and 20 baht for motorcycles. These charges support conservation efforts and park maintenance, helping to preserve this rare landscape for generations to come. Mae Hong Son Loop Tour travelers often include this serene stop on their route.
Nearby Attractions
This tranquil riverside village offers access to Salawin River cruises and glimpses of Karen culture. Long-tail boat rides depart from here, offering scenic and cultural immersion unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
A fascinating crystal cave with natural formations that shimmer under artificial light. The interior sparkles with unique calcite structures and mineral crystals, making it a surprising gem in the Mae Hong Son area.